Beaver Valley 180 marks 10th anniversary

by Mike Robinson

FERGUS

It was perfect weather as riders came down St. Andrew Street here for the 10th annual Beaver Valley 180.

Fergus Royal Bank of Canada branch manager Scott Wilber said Fergus marks roughly the halfway point for the riders in the 180km Beaver Valley bike trip.

“They are raising money for the Special Olympics so RBC is proud to give up our parking lot in downtown Fergus for a great event,” said Wilbur.

He added RBC is grateful for the food donations from Zehrs and Fraberts to help the riders recharge. He said they were also helped out by donations from Tim Hortons.

Cheering the group on this year were students from St. Joseph Catholic School. The school also provided an additional $50 donation to the ride.

“We’re lucky to have the kids there, they obviously love it,” said Wilber.

He added RBC donated some “thundersticks” for the students to help cheer the riders along as they arrived.

As per tradition, the riders, who numbered roughly 54 this year, were escorted through town by members of the OPP Golden Helmets.

Rider Dan Behan said this year marks the 10th anniversary of the event.

Rosanne Van Hees, who helped organize this year’s event along with event coordinator Mike Van Hees, added this also marks the fifth year the event has supported the Special Olympics.

Behan added the number of riders has varied over the years from the low 50s to low 60s.

But the riders themselves come primarily from the Toronto, Oakville, Halton and Guelph areas, Van Hees added.

“We start the ride in Oakville and 180 kilometres later we reach the Beaver Valley,” she said.

She added that this year, the ride supporting Special Olympics had raised $112,000, but over the past five years the ride has generated $550,000.

“It’s been awesome,” Van Hees added.

Behan said the theme of the ride is “Athletes supporting athletes.”

“We are a group of weekend warrior athletes trying to support the Special Olympic athletes ... it’s kinda neat.”

Click here for brief Quicktime .mov file.

October 12, 2012